Many factors go into planning an irrigation system for a yard or field. The amount and timing of the water delivered has a large impact on the growth and health of plants. Here are some tips to make sure your irrigation system is as effective as possible.

Do:

Consider the weather.

Hawaii's weather can include many sudden rainstorms, especially from November to March. Avoid running the irrigation system when the ground is already wet. If you do, you risk washing away plants or encouraging root rot.

Think about the plants.

You have to know which plants need the most water and which need the least. Many popular crops, like beans and wheat, come from drier areas and do better with less frequent watering. Others, like rice or sugarcane, may need a constant drip. Do research before planning a sprinkler system.

Consider smart irrigation.

To help control the amount of water delivered, try a modern smart system. This setup takes the weather into account when deciding whether to go off or not. It also measures how much to water so you don't have to make this decision yourself.

Don't:

Only use one size.

You should decide on several key factors based on the needs of the yard. These include the arrangement of the sprinkler heads, the volume of water flowing through the system, and even the size of the pipes used. Ideally, you should have a professional tailor the irrigation system layout to your field.

Create uneven distribution.

Part of good sprinkler placement is ensuring the field is watered evenly. If your layout is too irregular, you may end up with swampy patches prone to erosion and damage. In contrast, this could also result in dry areas with yellowing crops.

Space sprinklers too far apart.

To ensure even and effective coverage, you want the spray from each sprinkler to reach the nearest sprinkler heads on each side. This overlap makes sure the whole area gets watered. Even if one sprinkler breaks, your land will still be covered.

For help designing an efficient, tailored irrigation system, choose Seymour Resources Hawaii in Kailua. Serving the island of Oahu, they provide design, supply, and support for the area's agricultural community, offering phone, computer, and hands-on construction assistance, as well as training and education. To consult with them about your project, call (808) 651-0691 or contact them online.